Showing papers on "Antigen published in 1970"

A Theory of Self- Nonself Discrimination.

Abstract: 1) Induction of humoral antibody formation involves the obligatory recognition of two determinants on an antigen, one by the receptor antibody of the antigen-sensitive cell and the other by carrier antibody (associative interaction). 2) Paralysis of antibody formation involves the obligatory recognition of only one determinant by the receptor antibody of the antigen-sensitive cell; that is, a nonimmunogenic molecule (a hapten) can paralyze antigen-sensitive cells. 3) There is competition between paralysis and induction at the level of the antigen-sensitive cell. 4) The mechanisms of low- and high-zone paralysis, and maintenance of the unresponsive state, are identical. 5) High-zone paralysis occurs when both the carrier antibody and the receptor antibody are saturated, so that associated interactions cannot take place. 6) The mechanisms of paralysis and induction for the carrier-antigen-sensitive cell are identical to those for the humoral-antigen-sensitive cell. 7) The formation of carrier-antigen-sensitive cells is thymus-dependent, whereas humoral-antigen-sensitive cells are derived from bone marrow. Since carrier antibody is required for induction, all antigens are thymus-dependent. 8) The interaction of antigen with the receptor antibody on an antigen-sensitive cell results in a conformational change in an invariant region of the receptor and consequently paralyzes the cell. As the receptor is probably identical to the induced antibody, all antibody molecules are expected to be able to undergo a conformational change on binding a hapten. The obligatory associated recognition by way of carrier antibody (inductive signal) involves a conformational change in the carrier antibody, leading to a second signal to the antigen-sensitive cell. 9) The foregoing requirements provide an explanation for self-nonself discrimination. Tolerance to self-antigens involves a specific deletion in the activity of both the humoral- and the carrier-antigen-sensitive cells.

A population of lymphocytes bearing a membrane receptor for antigen-antibody-complement complexes. I. Separation and characterization.

Abstract: A population of lymphoid cells from several animal species, including man, was identified through a membrane receptor which binds sheep red blood cells treated with antibody and complement. When cells from different lymphoid organs were incubated with EAC at 37°C, only part of the lymphocytes (named CRL) bound EAC and formed rosettes, and this interaction was shown to be C3-dependent. Mouse lymphoid cells could be specifically depleted of CRL by allowing them first to interact with EAC and then submitting the mixture to ultracentrifugation in a gradient of BSA. After ultracentrifugation, a population of cells containing 95% or more of non-CRL were recovered from the upper layers of the gradient. In addition to their different abilities to bind EAC, CRL and non-CRL from mouse lymphoid organs could be distinguished by the following properties: (a) CRL adhered preferentially to nylon wool at 37°C in the presence of mouse serum. (b) After differential flotation in a gradient of BSA, a significantly higher proportion of CRL were recovered from the upper layers of the gradient. (c) The population of CRL contained most of the lymphocytes bearing immunoglobulin determinants on their membranes. (d) The distribution of CRL was quite different among lymphocytes obtained from various lymphoid organs, and they were never found in the thymus. (e) The membrane receptor for EAC was not detected in plaque-forming cells of mice which had been previously immunized with burro red cells. CRL and non-CRL could not be distinguished by their life span, as they were found in similar proportions among long-lived and short-lived lymphocytes from mouse peripheral lymph nodes. The function of this receptor on the membrane of certain lymphoid cells may be related to (a) the trapping and localization of antigen in lymphoid organs or (b) the localization of lymphoid cells in inflammatory sites.

Cell interactions in the induction of tolerance: the role of thymic lymphocytes

Abstract: Thymectomized, lethally irradiated, bone marrow reconstituted mice were treated with a large dose of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) over the course of 30 days. They were unable to respond to further antigenic challenge for one month. Fifteen million thymocytes given 4 days after the termination of treatment restored their ability to respond. The same antigenic treatment given to similar chimeras, which differed only in having had 15 × 106 thymus cells added to the bone marrow inoculum, also abolished the response to further antigenic challenge. In contrast to chimeras without thymus cells present during the course of treatment, the later addition of thymocytes to these animals did not restore their response. It did, however, restore the response to a second challenge of antigen given 17 days after the addition of thymocytes. This response was the same as non-treated animals given only one injection of thymocytes and significantly less than non-treated animals given thymocytes twice. The following explanation of these results is offered. Bone marrow derived (BMD) lymphocytes that can make antibody without assistance of thymus derived (TD) lymphocytes were made tolerant in the absence of TD cells. Thymus dependent BMD cells were not. New cells, coming from the bone marrow, broke the tolerant state within a month. When TD cells were present both populations of BMD cells, as well as the TD cells, were made tolerant. New BMD cells regenerating from the bone marrow abrogated the tolerant state of the BMD population. This breaking of tolerance could only be seen in mice given additional thymocytes as the tolerance of the TD cells was not broken in the absence of a thymus. Thus, the induction of tolerance as well as the induction of immunity in thymus dependent BMD cell populations, seems to require the co-operation of TD cells.

The rapid intermixing of cell surface antigens after formation of mouse-human heterokaryons.

Abstract: Cells from established tissue culture lines of mouse ( cIID ) and human ( VA-2 ) origin were fused together with Sendai virus, producing heterokaryons bearing both mouse and human surface antigens which were then followed by the indirect fluorescent antibody method. Within 40 mm following fusion, total mixing of both parental antigens occurred in over 90% of the heterokaryons. Mouse H-2 (histocompatibility) and human surface antigens were visualized by successive treatment of the heterokaryons with a mixture of mouse alloantiserum and rabbit anti- VA-2 antiserum, followed by a mixture of fluorescein-labelled goat anti-mouse IgG and tetramethyl-rhodamine-labelled goat anti-rabbit IgG(Fc). The cIID x VA-2 fusions were carried Out in suspension and maintained at 37°C in a shaking water bath; aliquots were removed at various intervals and stained with the above reagents. The heterokaryon population was observed to change from an initial one (5-min post-fusion) of non-mosaics (unmixed cell surfaces of red and green fluorescence) to one of over 90% mosaics (total intermixing of the 2 fluorochromes) by 40 min after fusion. Mouse-human hybrid lines, derived from similar fusions, gave fluorescence patterns identical to those of the mosaic heterokaryons. Four possible mechanisms would yield such results: (i) a very rapid metabolic turnover of the antigens; (ii) integration of units into the membrane from a cytoplasmic precursor pool; (iii) movement, or ‘diffusion’of antigen in the plane of the membrane; or (iv) movement of existing antigen from one membrane site into the cytoplasm and its emergence at a new position on the membrane. In an effort to distinguish among these possibilities, the following inhibitor treatments were carried out: (1) both short- and long-term (6-h pre-treatment) inhibition of protein synthesis by puromycin, cycloheximide, and chloramphenicol; (2) short-term inhibition of ATP formation by dinitrophenol (DNP) and NaF; (3) short- and long-term inhibition of glutamine dependent pathways with the glutamine analogue 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine; and (4) general metabolic suppression by lowered temperature. The only treatment found effective in preventing the mosaicism was lowered temperature, from which resulted a sigmoidal curve for per cent mosaics versus incubation temperature. These results would be consistent with mechanisms iii and/or iv but appear to rule out i and ii. From the speed with which the antigen markers can be seen to propagate across the cell membrane, and from the fact that the treatment of parent cells with a variety of metabolic inhibitors does not inhibit antigen spreading, it appears that the cell surface of heterokaryons is not a rigid structure, but is ‘fluid’ enough to allow free ‘diffusion’ of surface antigens resulting in their intermingling within minutes after the initiation of fusion.

Impaired immunologic reactivity and recurrence following cancer surgery

Abstract: One hundred patients were tested for their ability to react to 7 commonly encountered skin test antigens and to develop delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity to 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Following sensitization, more than 95% of normal patients, but only 60% of patients with potentially resectable neoplasms, exhibited delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity to DNCB. A correlation is suggested between the inability to react to DNCB and the incidence of either inoperability, local recurrence, or distant metastases within 6 months post-operatively. Ninety-three percent (27/29) of patients who failed to react to DNCB were inoperable or developed early recurrence, whereas 92% (50/54) of patients who reacted to DNCB were free of disease for 6 months; but many of these patients were nonreactive to all of the common skin test antigens. These studies suggest that there is a significant correlation between cell mediated immunologic reactivity as measured by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity to DNCB and the course of malignant disease following definitive cancer surgery.

Differential Reactivity of Human Serums with Early Antigens Induced by Epstein-Barr Virus

Abstract: Inoculation of 64-10 or Raji cultures with Epstein-Barr virus derived from the HRI-K clone of the P3J Burkitt's lymphoma line caused abortive infections in most of the lymphoblastoid cells with synthesis of "early antigens" but few, if any, capsids. Antibodies to early antigens were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in serums of many patients with infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, or nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These antibodies were rarely present in other serums even though some of them showed high titers of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus when assayed on EB3 Burkitt tumor cells; they also prevented synthesis of early antigens, provided the serums were mixed with the virus prior to inoculation. Antibodies to early antigens possibly reflect current or recent disease processes that are associated with the virus.

Variability in the lambda light chain sequences of mouse antibody.

Abstract: The simple pattern of variability in mouse lambda chains suggests that diversity is generated by somatic spontaneous mutation and by sequential selection by antigen of single step mutants.

Immunoglobulin spots on the surface of rabbit lymphocytes.

Abstract: Small and medium lymphocytes from the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues of the rabbit react in suspension with antibodies directed against different immunoglobulin determinants. Through immunofluorescence, it was possible to show that numerous discrete spots on the surface of the positive lymphocytes carry immunoglobulin molecules. The positive lymphocytes are about one-half of all lymphocytes in the different preparations; thymus lymphocytes are all negative. With antisera specific for rabbit IgM as well as with antisera directed against allotypic determinants specific for IgM or IgG, it was possible to show that about nine-tenths of the immunoglobulin-positive lymphocytes carry IgM molecules on their surface. With antisera directed against a - and b -locus determinants, it was also possible to demonstrate that both heavy and light chains were present in the surface immunoglobulins. Furthermore, in animals which were heterozygous at the a or the b locus, it was found that each lymphocyte had immunoglobulins synthesized under the influence of only one of two alleles. A very small proportion of lymphocytes could be shown to have a specific surface reaction with one antigen (horse ferritin); the proportion of these cells increased very much after immunization.

Hemagglutination Assay for Antigen and Antibody Associated with Viral Hepatitis

Abstract: Hemagglutination assays are described for measuring hepatitis-associated Australia antigen and antibody. Red cells coated with isolated antigen, with chromic chloride as a coupling agent, are used for detection of antibodies. Detection of the antigen in serums depends on inhibition of hemagglutination. The test has the sensitivity and rapidity of the best tests available, is simpler to perform, and lends itself to large-scale screening of blood donors.

Viral Hepatitis: New Light on an Old Disease

Abstract: Tests for the presence of Australia or hepatitisassociated antigen (HAA) and antibody (anti-HAA) were performed on more than 25,000 serum specimens from more than 700 patients with viral hepatitis. Hepatitisassociated antigen was consistently present in sera from patients with MS-2 strain of serum hepatitis (SH); it was not present in MS-1, infectious hepatitis (IH). Hepatitis-associated antigen was detected earlier after a parenteral exposure to SH than after an oral exposure. Antigen appeared two weeks to two months before onset of jaundice; it was transient in 65% of patients, but persisted for four months to 13 years in 35% of children. The average incubation period of IH (MS-1) was essentially the same following an oral or parenteral exposure (32 to 33 days); in SH (MS-2) it was 65 days after parenteral exposure and 98 days after oral exposure. Gamma-globulin consistently neutralized the infectivity of IH (MS-1) serum; in most cases it did not neutralize the infectivity of SH (MS-2) serum.

Rapid Detection of Australia Antigen by Counterimmunoelectrophoresis

Abstract: This report describes the detection of Australia antigen by counterelectrophoresis in agar gel. With this technique small amounts of antigen with relatively rapid electrophoretic mobility can be detected by specific precipitation with antibody in 1 hr (1, 2). In addition to its speed the technique is at least 10 times as sensitive as the Ouchterlony double diffusion method. Materials and Methods. Sera containing Australia antigen were obtained from patients with acute viral hepatitis. Specific antisera were from hemophiliacs who had received numerous blood transfusions and were thus repeatedly exposed to hepatitis virus. The standard sera containing Australia antigen used in this laboratory, as well as the homologous antisera, have been shown to have the same specificities as those employed by Blumberg (3) and Prince (4). Counterelectrophoresis is carried out on Kodak projection slides (3.25 × 4 in) covered with 10 ml of 0.85% Agarose in Veronal buffer, 0.05 M, pH 8.2.

Specific in vitro Cytotoxicity of Thymus-derived Lymphocytes sensitized to Alloantigens

Abstract: THE immune response to a specific antigen is characterized by the development of antibody-producing cells and of sensitized lymphocytes active in cell-mediated immunity. Although there is good evidence that antibody-producing cells are bone marrow-derived cells1–2, the role of thymus-derived cells is less well understood. Development of cell-mediated immunity is impaired in neonatally thymectomized animals3, and it is therefore likely that sensitized lymphocytes are thymus-derived cells. Spleen cell populations of mice immunized with allogeneic cells contain lymphocytes able to destroy in vitro appropriate target cells bearing the sensitizing alloantigens4–5. Earlier studies demonstrating the in vitro cytotoxic activity of sensitized thymus cells6 suggested that cytotoxic cells found in immune spleen cell populations were thymus-derived. As shown recently7–8 mouse thymus-derived cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs carry a surface marker, the θ alloantigen9, and are lysed when incubated in the presence of anti-θ serum and complement. This study was undertaken to test the effect of anti-θ serum on the cytotoxic activity of spleen cells sensitized to alloantigens. Its effect on alloantibody-producing cells present in the same spleen cell populations was tested in parallel.

Studies of allograft immunity in mice. I. Induction, development and in vitro assay of cellular immunity.

Abstract: Cellular immunity induced by tumour allografts in inbred mice was studied with the help of an in vitro assay system measuring the cytotoxic effect of sensitized lymphocytes on 51Cr-labelled target cells. It is shown that lymphoid cells from spleen, lymph nodes and blood of the allograft recipients reach a peak of cytotoxic activity on days 10–11 after immunization. Incubated with labelled target cells at a ratio of 100:1, the sensitized lymphocytes caused the specific release of up to 70 per cent of the radioactivity within 1 hour. A second population of target cells added to the same cell suspension was destroyed at a slightly accelerated rate, suggesting stimulation of the effector cells by the first interaction. The cytotoxic activity of circulating lymphocytes was found to reach a plateau between days 20 and 60 after immunization, while the activity of spleen cells dropped to low levels in the same time period. The specificity of target cell destruction by sensitized lymphocytes is demonstrated by the lack of lytic activity for syngeneic target cells, and by the selective destruction of target cells carrying a tumour specific antigen. Tumour cells, lymphocytes and embryonic fibroblasts of the donor strain are shown to differ considerably in their sensitivity to lysis by immune lymphocytes.

Surface alloantigens of plasma cells

Abstract: A serological study of immunoglobulin-forming cells of the mouse, normal and malignant, shows that they lack all known surface differentiation antigens of the thymocyte-lymphocyte axis: TL, theta, Ly-A, Ly-B, and MSLA. Two systems of normal alloantigens are expressed on these cells, H-2 and a new system named PC. The gene Pca (Plasma cell antigen) which specifies PC.1 alloantigen segregates as a mendelian dominant not closely linked with H-2. This cell surface antigen is absent from thymocytes, leukemias, and very probably from thymus-derived lymphocytes also; it is present on cells of the liver, kidney, brain, and lymph nodes as well as on hemolytic plaque-forming cells of the spleen, and on myelomas. So PC.1 is properly classified as a differentiation alloantigen. The strain distribution of PC.1 does not conform to that of any known immunoglobulin allotype or cell surface alloantigen previously described. Thus the cell surface antigens of immunoglobulin-producing cells are clearly different from those of cells belonging to the thymocyte-lymphocyte axis. Each family of cells has distinctive alloantigens, and the two families share alloantigens of only one known system, H-2. This implies that either immunoglobulin-producing cells are not derived from thymic lymphocytes, or if they are, the program responsible for the transition must include extensive revision of cell surface structure.

Carrier function in anti-hapten immune responses. I. Enhancement of primary and secondary anti-hapten antibody responses by carrier preimmunization.

Abstract: Preimmunization of either guinea pigs or rabbits to bovine gamma globulin (BGG) prepares the animals for markedly enhanced antibody responses to 2,4-dinitrophenyl-BGG (DNP-BGG). This phenomenon is observed both in the primary anti-DNP antibody response to DNP-BGG and in the secondary anti-DNP antibody response to DNP-BGG in animals primed with DNP-ovalbumin (DNP-OVA). The BGG preimmunization is most effective if the antigen is administered as a complete Freund's adjuvant emulsion; in rabbits, a dose of 1 µg of BGG is more effective than a dose of 50 µg, whereas the reverse is true in guinea pigs. Transfusion of homologous anti-BGG sera fails to replace active immunization with BGG in the preparation of animals for these enhanced anti-DNP antibody responses. Both the immunoglobulin class and the average association constant for ϵ-DNP-L-lysine of the anti-DNP antibody produced in these enhanced responses is determined by the mode and time of immunization with haptenic conjugates and is not appreciably influenced by the nature of the carrier preimmunization. These studies indicate that the carrier specificity of hapten-specific anamnestic antibody responses is largely due to the interaction of two independent cell associated recognition units, one specialized for carrier and the other specific for haptenic determinants.

An in Vitro Assay for Cellular Hypersensitivity in Man

Abstract: A reproducible in vitro assay for delayed hypersensitivity in man is described. Human blood lymphocytes from subjects exhibiting delayed hypersensitivity can be stimulated by specific antigen in vitro to produce a soluble factor which inhibits the migration of normal guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells from capillary tubes. The production by lymphocytes of this migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is immunologically specific. Nonsensitive lymphocytes are not sensitized by plasma factors to produce MIF. Some clinical applications of this in vitro assay are discussed.

Cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity : ii. a light and electron microscopic description

Abstract: Delayed onset erythematous skin reactions elicited in guinea pigs early in the course of sensitization with azobenzenearsonate-protein conjugates or with protein antigens in incomplete Freund's adjuvant or in saline were found to have a characteristic morphology which sets them apart from delayed hypersensitivity and the classic antibody mediated reactions. The principle feature was massive dermal infiltration with basophilic leukocytes. Mononuclear cells of several types including activated and small lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and blast cells were also present. Such reactions have in the past been designated Jones-Mote hypersensitivity, but we prefer the descriptive term cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) for the reasons given. Occasional basophils extruded their granules, and individual granules, retaining their characteristic ultrastructure, were commonly seen in the interstitium. However, intercellular junctions between endothelial cells were closed except during cell emigration and there was no morphologic evidence of an histamine-like effect. The majority of basophils, moreover, did not degranulate but underwent nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic degeneration and were phagocytosed by macrophages. Phagocytosed basophil granules retained their ultrastructure. Skin tests performed at late intervals after sensitization had a different time course and morphology. Animals sensitized with protein antigens in complete Freund's adjuvant developed delayed hypersensitivity; however, reactions elicited in such animals at early (but not late) intervals after sensitization contained a prominent basophil component. We interpret such reactions to be a mixture of delayed hypersensitivity and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity. The function of the basophil in CBH and its relation to the mononuclear cells which accompany it are unknown, and various possibilities are discussed. We conclude that cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity is a distinct immunologic and morphologic entity, occurring early in the course of sensitization with protein antigens incorporated in any of several vehicles. The mechanism of the reaction is presently unknown, and a general hypothesis to explain its pathogenesis has been proposed.

Receptors for human gamma G globulin on human neutrophils.

Abstract: Cell surface receptors for human gammaG antibodies directed against bacterial antigens were demonstrated on human neutrophils using an in vitro bacteriocidal-phagocytic assay. These results were confirmed by adherence of sensitized erythrocytes to monolayers of neutrophils or monocytes. Erythrocytes sensitized indirectly with antibacterial gammaG antibodies after passive sensitization with bacterial antigens adhered to both neutrophils and monocytes. Erythrocytes sensitized directly with conventional anti-D gammaG antibodies adhered only to monocytes, while those sensitized with the hyperimmune anti-CD gammaG antibody Ripley adhered to both monocytes and neutrophils. Adherence of anti-Rh or antibacterial gammaG antibodies to monocytes and neutrophils could be inhibited by whole gammaG, myeloma globulins of the gamma(1) or gamma(3) subclasses, or Fc fragments, but not by Fab fragment. These results indicate that receptors for the Fc portion of human gammaG antibodies exist on both neutrophils and monocytes, and that gammaG antibodies differ in their ability to attach to these two cell types. Differences in the behavior of the gammaG antibodies studied may be related to differences in the density of antibodies on the erythrocyte surface and receptors on the phagocytic cells.

Humoral antibodies in renal allotransplantation in man.

Abstract: Humoral antibodies specific for histocompatibility antigens were detected in the majority of renal-allograft recipients tested. In all 10 patients in whom antibody reactive with donor antigens was present at the time of transplantation, very early acute rejection episodes resulted in total or widespread destruction of the transplanted kidneys. Twelve of 16 patients who formed antibodies in response to their grafts had poor clinical courses leading to rejection or poor renal function, whereas only two of 12 in whom responses to the grafts were not detected had unfavorable outcomes. A very high correlation was found between the occurrence of antibodies reactive with graft antigens and histologic evidence of vascular lesions, particularly those of an obliterative nature.

Common individual antigenic determinants in five of eight BALB-c IgA myeloma proteins that bind phosphoryl choline.

Abstract: Eight IgA myeloma proteins derived from independently induced plasma-cytomas in genetically similar inbred BALB/c mice are functionally related by their binding of phosphoryl choline-containing antigens (Pneumococcus C polysaccharide or Lactobacillus antigen) Each protein resembles a single species of immunoglobulin in antibody The proteins are characterized by highly sensitive myeloma-specific antisera prepared by immunizing mice of other inbred strains with the BALB/c myeloma proteins Individual or myeloma-specific determinants located on Fab fragments were found on three of the proteins that were unique for that protein and did not react with any other IgA protein among over 70 tested Remarkably, five of the proteins shared two common myeloma-specific determinants which were specific for this group of five proteins These results suggest that the five functionally and genetically related proteins sharing the same myeloma-specific determinants might also be structurally similar

In vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Thymus Cells sensitized to Alloantigens

Abstract: THE thymus plays an important part in the development of certain immune reactions. Neonatally thymectomized mice showed an impaired antibody response to heterologous erythrocytes and serum proteins1. Recent studies, have demonstrated that collaboration between thymus-derived cells and bone marrow-derived cells was essential for mice to respond to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) by producing haemolysin-forming cells2–4. Thymus-derived cells, although undergoing mitosis in response to the antigenic stimulus5, did not produce antibody6, but influenced bone marrow-derived precursor cells to differentiate into antibody-producing cells4.

Immune response to urinary bladder tumours in man.

Abstract: A microassay in disposable tissue culture plates was used to demonstrate a cell-mediated immune response against human urinary bladder carcinoma. Leukocytes isolated from peripheral blood of patients with urinary bladder tumours were allowed to react in vitro with cells of bladder tumours, or with a control tumour or normal cells. Both autochthonous and allogeneic leukocytes from patients with bladder tumours strongly reduced the number of plated bladder tumour cells as compared to control leukocytes, but did not affect control tumour or normal cells. No significant cytotoxic effects were produced by control leukocyte suspensions from a patient with prostatic carcinoma, from patients with non-neoplastic diseases or from normal healthy individuals. The results indicate that human urinary bladder tumours possess tumour-specific antigens which cross-react with each other.

Evidence for the existence of two functionally distinct types of cells which regulate the antibody response to type 3 pneumococcal polysaccharide.

Abstract: Summary The administration of various types of syngeneic lymphoid cells to mice immunized with type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SSS-III) and treated with anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS) revealed that at least two functionally distinct types of presumably thymic-derived cells (a suppressor cell and an amplifier cell) act in an opposing manner to regulate the antibody response to SSS-III. The ability of ALS to increase the magnitude of the antibody response to SSS-III is apparently the result of the inactivation of a cell type that normally suppresses the antibody response produced following immunization with SSS-III.

Serum Hepatitis Antigen (SH): Rapid Detection by High Voltage Immunoelectroosmophoresis

Abstract: An immunoelectroosmophoretic technique for rapid detection of the antigen (SH) associated with the serum hepatitis virus has been devised. The technique maintains the specificity characteristic of the Ouchterlony gel-diffusion method, yet detects in 1 to 2 hours one-tenth the amount of antigen required for gel diffusion. The test has immediate application to blood-banking practice since it permits the screening of such labile products as platelets and fresh whole blood, and the detection of antigen in additional serums negative by the Ouchterlony technique.